$3 MILLION AUSTRALIAN INITIATIVE LINKS BUSINESSES THROUGHOUT SOUTH EAST ASIA PERTH, May 2 /MediaNet International/AsiaNet/ -- A unique Australian-developed data base, which will link hundreds of thousands of businesses throughout SE Asia, was launched by the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Tim Fischer, today (Friday, May 2, 1997). The Trade Match/CACCI Internet Trading Forum (IFT), which was developed in conjunction with the Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce & Industry (CACCI), will initially focus on the markets of SE Asia, but is already being extended to Europe and is expected to achieve world wide coverage by the end of 1998. ITF is believed to be the world's most sophisticated trade and investment data base, capable of matching in seconds the needs of buyers, sellers, investors and companies seeking equity funding in all participating countries. Responses to enquiries are emailed or faxed to the companies concerned within munutes, providing direct matches when available, or potential matches which companies can investigate further. At its launch today, ITF provided subscribers with an initial data base of 130,000 companies registered through 58 Chamber of Commerce in 25 countries throughout the region. A potential base of 2.5 million companies is available through the CACCI network. Subscribers to ITF receive an access code that enables them to lodge an unlimited number of buy, sell or investment requests, which can be accurately targeted by type and size of business, geographical region and type of opportunity being sought (buy, sell, invest). Other unique ITF features include a "Chart Forum", which enables two or more subscribers to discuss ideas or opportunities in real time. ITF also offers what is believed to be the first "artificial intelligence" component in a data base of this type. Called "Electronic Emissary", this facility creates a personal profile of each subscriber and the system continues to seek and forward relevant information long after the initial enquiry. Mr Gary Johnstone, Chairman of the Trade March International Limited, the commercial operator of ITF, said the system had cost more than $3 million to develop, over a four year period. For further information please contact: Jim Ward, Ward Holt Public Relations 1131 Hay Street, West Perth, Western Australia 6005 Tel 61 9 321 7055 Fax: 61 9 321 7015